The Preamp S1 is an analog preamp pedal from AMT Electronics, part of the company's Legend Amp series alongside the M1, E1, B1 and P1. It is a JFET circuit designed to put Soldano-style amp distortion on a pedalboard, with three gain modes, an IR cabinet simulation, and overdrive, booster and equalizer functions in one box12.
What it does
AMT describes the S1's range as spanning three modes, so one unit can cover everything from a clean platform to a lead voice1:
| Mode | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Clean | A clean platform |
| Low gain | Smooth overdrive and medium gain crunch |
| High gain | Screaming lead sounds |
RockBoard's PedalPedia describes the S1's range as "enormously rich smooth overdrive to medium gain crunch to screaming lead"2.
"enormously rich smooth overdrive to medium gain crunch to screaming lead"
RockBoard's PedalPedia notes that the JFET circuit design is intended to produce "crazy tight and responsive distortion"2.
The S1 also carries an IR-based cabinet simulation, with one IR covering both the left and right channels per preset4. That makes it usable as more than a drive pedal: it can act as a preamp with cab sim into a power amp or interface, in the way AMT demonstrated by running the S1 into a Laney L5T-112 power amp4.
Where it came from
The S1 belongs to AMT's Legend Amp series, a family of preamp pedals the maker has presented together, including in a comparison video covering the whole line1. The series includes:
- M1
- E1
- S1
- B1
- P1
AMT designed the S1 for players looking to achieve the famous guitar distortion sounds of Soldano amplifiers2.
Power and current draw
The S1 runs on 9V DC center negative power2. AMT strongly recommends powering Legend Amps series devices with either a 9V battery or a suitable adapter, naming its own DC 12V/1.25A or DC 9V/0.85A adapters as recommended options3.
Current consumption is less than 6mA from a 9V power unit, and AMT notes it drops to 4mA in power saving mode3. RockBoard's listing gives a 6mA current figure for the pedal2. That low draw means the S1 sits comfortably on a shared pedalboard supply.
AMT recommends a 9V battery or a dedicated adapter for Legend Amps series pedals rather than unspecified supplies3.
How it compares
Within AMT's own range, the S1 is the Soldano-flavored voice of the Legend Amp series, sitting beside the M1, E1, B1 and P1 preamps1. Against the wider pedal market, it overlaps with overdrive pedals and distortion pedals, but it is a preamp first: it adds cab simulation and L/R channels, which those effect types generally do not carry42.
Videos
gearmanndude
Brett Kingman
Music City CZ
Questions
What power does the AMT Preamp S1 need?
The S1 runs on 9V DC center negative power. AMT recommends either a 9V battery or an adapter for the Legend Amps series, naming its own DC 12V/1.25A or DC 9V/0.85A adapters as suitable choices. Current consumption is less than 6mA from a 9V power unit, dropping to 4mA in power saving mode.
Is the AMT S1 analog?
Yes. AMT describes the S1 as an analog preamp with Clean, Low gain and High gain modes. It uses a JFET circuit design, which AMT says produces tight and responsive distortion, and it adds IR-based cabinet simulation on its left and right channels.
How much current does the AMT S1 draw?
AMT lists current consumption at less than 6mA from a 9V power unit, and notes that in power saving mode it drops to 4mA. RockBoard's PedalPedia entry for the Preamp S1 also lists a 6mA current figure.
What amp is the AMT S1 modeled on?
AMT designed the S1 for players looking to achieve the famous guitar distortion sounds of Soldano amplifiers. It is part of AMT's Legend Amp series of preamp pedals, alongside the M1, E1, B1 and P1.
Does the AMT S1 have a cab simulator?
Yes. The S1 carries one IR (impulse response) cabinet simulation that covers both its left and right channels per preset, according to AMT's own demo material for the pedal.
Sources (4)
- AMT S1 - Media center of AMT Electronics, AMT Electronics (media.amtelectronics.com)
- Preamp S1 by AMT Electronics, RockBoard PedalPedia, 2026
- AMT S1 | AMT Electronics official website, AMT Electronics, 2026
- AMT Electronics: S1 preamp, Media center of AMT Electronics
